Why Small Businesses Need Both A Logo And An Identity System

Experts urge small business owners to "brand" their business ? to use a logo and a set of consistent marketing materials. But, they rarely go into the reasons behind this advice. Here's a list of some of the benefits to having a professionally designed logo and marketing package:

Not to look so small - Home-printed business cards with perforated edges, or cards printed with standard designs available through Microsoft software or online business card vendors (like Vistaprint) scream, "Small-time vendor!" to your potential clients ? and you'll be similarly compensated.

To increase your chance of getting venture capital or selling a business ? If you present a thorough business package, including marketing materials and graphics, your business will look more complete.

To attract more clients ? Some clients look for a well-defined company look-and-feel as part of their qualifiers for making a purchasing decision.

To brand yourself ? If you're a consultant, you need a logo in order to build an image and a brand that's bigger than just yourself.

To convey that you are established ? A logo and professionally printed materials show that you are committed to both your business and to your clients.

To give clients a sense of stability ? You may not have been in business "Since 1908", but if you've invested in an identity, you're much less likely to fold in the eyes of your customers. It goes a long way toward building the all-important "trust" factor.

To be more memorable ? Forty percent of people better remember what they see better than what they hear or read. So having graphics associated with your business and having consistent graphics on your business materials make you more likely to come to the forefront of potential clients' minds when they have a need for your goods or services.

To explain your company name ? If your company name contains a little-known word or an acronym, the logo gives visual clues to its meaning.

To endear your company name to your clients ? A difficult-to-pronounce or -remember company name may make it difficult for your clients to hire you. When potential clients have the need for your services, they can't recall who you are! But if you reinforce the name with interesting, compelling graphics, they're more likely to remember that hard-to-recall name, and to pick up the phone and hire you.

To explain an unusual line of business ? If your business is nontraditional, or in a hard-to-explain industry, a logo can help to explain exactly what it is that you do.

To show what practices differentiate you from your competition ? A well-designed logo can have many subtle meanings, and it can begin to tell the story of how you do business ? what special practices make you stand apart from the competition.

To stand out in your field ? A well-designed logo and an identity system can put you far above the competition, especially if they are paired with a strong marketing program.

In some industries, a logo is just expected ? In the creative services industry, especially, having a logo is an industry standard.

Lastly, do it for yourself! ? To show your commitment and for the sense of personal pride it will add to your practice.

These are just some of the benefits of having a professionally designed logo. If your business could use the kind of boost that having a logo provides, then contact us today for a free estimate!

About the Author

Erin Ferree, Founder and Lead Designer of elf design, is a brand identity and graphic design expert. She has been helping small businesses grow with bold, clean and effective logo and marketing material designs for over a decade. elf design offers the comprehensive graphic and web design services of a large agency, with the one- on-one, personalized attention of an independent design specialist. Erin works closely in partnership with her clients to create designs that are visible, credible and memorable ? and that tell their unique business stories in a clear and consistent way. For more information about elf design, please visit:

Logo design at http://www.elf-design.com

---

Outsourcing and Virtual Assistants: Small Business Saviors

Work smarter, not harderWhat is one of the best ways... Read More

Basic Psychology of Franchisee Ownership and Expansion

If you are a franchisee of a large franchise system;... Read More

Truck Detailing Shop Business Case Study

As an entrepreneur you can learn a lot by following... Read More

7 Essentinal Resources for Small Business

So you want to start a business but you don't... Read More

Aircraft Washing Service Operations Manual

Anyone who is serious about washing aircraft as a full... Read More

Cost Effective Franchise Regulations, Come again

The Franchise Group at the Federal Trade Commission in all... Read More

Leverage The Power of Publicity For Your Small Business

Your business is only as good as the number of... Read More

Computer Tips that Help Small Businesses Operate Profitably

When working properly, computers enable small businesses to make big... Read More

Recognizing Employees? Contributions Can Go a Long Way

Every employee would like to earn as high a salary... Read More

Self-Employment: Managing Your Money: Tips for Living with a Fluctuating Cash Flow (Part One)

The way you manage your money is one of the... Read More

City Wide Garage Sales: Hidden Riches!

Most of us remember going to at least one garage... Read More

The Game Plan ? The Difference Between Small Business Success And Failure

It is an American dream to own a business. But... Read More

Marketing a New or Small Business on a Budget

There are almost as many opinions and views on marketing... Read More

Take a Break - Have a Pity Party

Pity parties are nothing new. In fact, we do it... Read More

Seven Common Mistakes Made By Small Business Owners

Most new small businesses won't be in business this time... Read More

Small Business Publicity -- Worth It?

You bet it's worth it. Publicity via news releases, along... Read More

Boat Cleaning Business Case Study: Entrepreneurship 101

How do marine type businesses start? Have you ever thought... Read More

Small Business Marketing - Clarify Success

When you hear the word "success" does it bring on... Read More

Why Clean Mobile Homes for a Business?

Manufactured and Mobile Home owners know that the weather this... Read More

S Corporation ? What Is It?

For many small businesses, the "S" corporation is the business... Read More

Solving the Late Paying Customer Blues

Nothing can drive a business down faster than customers who... Read More

Combating Over Regulation of Small Business

Many small businesses do quite well due to the blood,... Read More

The SBAs Savviest Program

Forget everything you've ever heard about the U.S. Small Business... Read More

Consistency Builds Trust

You know your prospects need what you sell. You know... Read More

How to Profit Handsomely From a Secret Business Model Virtually No Small Business is Using!

Have you been searching for the perfect home-based business? I... Read More

Don?t Wait for the Perfect Plan

1. Don't Spend Too Much Time PlanningWhen you are entering... Read More

7 Habits of Highly Successful Small Business Owners

Do you spend every waking minute in your business? Do... Read More

Three Small Business Secrets to Getting More Billable Time

As small business owners we're in business to make money... Read More

Routine Maintenance of High Pressure Hot Water Motors

If you run a pressure washer business you need complete... Read More

How to Create an Employee Manual

Large corporations use employee manuals to both educate employees about... Read More

11 MONSTROUS Small Business Marketing Mistakes and How To Avoid Them

Increase your profit potential by identifying ? and avoiding ?... Read More

The Key to Creating Total System Empowerment

In this paper, I will:1. provide a framework for creating... Read More

Tracking Revenue For MORE Profits

The revenue history is a vital piece of your power... Read More